
SWEET ROSE 
OF BRIAR GULCH. 



A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS, 
BY 

MRS. KATE ROSE DILLON. 



Time of Presentation Two and One-Half Hours. 



Published by the Dillon Printing Company. Shawnee, Oklahoma. 

COl'YKICHT, LOOS. 




Class ^ g 

Book ^°i^s r» 

Copyright W 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

DAN CAMERON, a corporation attorney, who seeks to ingratiate himself in 
the favor of the administration. Society leader, who stops at nothing 
which will aid him to keep his position as a man of wealth and brains. 
Owner of a palatial summer home in the pines, American Falls, Ida. 

NICHOLAS GRABB, ex-convict, confidence man, thug, cats-paw of Cam- 
eron. 

JACK DARE, a typical westerner who has ambition to know things. 

SILAS HOWLAND, western farmer, proud of his family and ancestry. 

COLONEL HENRY GRADY, rich brother of Mrs. Howland, lives in Wash- 
ington. 

GEORGE HOWLAND, a young ranchman. 

ALL1E WEEDS, an honorable man, who is "down on his luck," and who 
would seek the smiles of fortunes from the ruby lips of a rich wife. 

MRS. HOWLAND, blind mother of Rose. 

SAMANTHA WINDLASS, old maid sister-in-law of Col. Grady. 

FLORENCE, formerly of New York, a woman who has been deeply wronged. 

ROSE HOWLAND, the sweet rose of Briar Gulch. 

Time, in the first act, 1892. 



TMP92-009L06 



ACT I., First Scene. 

[Scene represents the rude home of an American family in the mountain 
region of Idaho. Small window in back, right. Table center rear. Bench 
m:ddle right. Door rear left and front left, also rear right. Old stove left 
center, above which hangs two or three pans. Coffee pot on stove. Shelf 
rear on which are several articles of bric-a-brac and a Bible. As the cur- 
rises Rose is seated on the bench shelling corn into a pan beside her; a 
small open sack of corn leans against the bench. Several chairs are placed 
here and there. Time, one morning in June.] 

ROSE "I wonder if Uncle Henry has any chickens to shell corn for? 
Oh! Ou-oh! (sticks finger in mouth) I hurt my finger on this old rough ear! 
1 just hate chickens any way— don't see why I have to be always shelling 
them corn.. ..but then I reckon as how somebody has to do it, and it'd just as 
well be me as anybody. But somebody'll have to do it for awhile I guess, 
for my Uncle Henry, who lives in Washington, has asked me to come and 
pay him a long visit, (pause) I would get to go in a minute if there was 
anybody else to take care of mother— or if she wasn't blind. Poor, sweet 
mother! She wants me to go anyway, but unless there can be somebody 
to see after the house and the chick— ch-i- (cries childishly) i-c-kens— oh 
"what's the use! I can't go, but I want to go, I want to go— oh, I want to go 
so ba-a-a-a-(cries some more) -ad! Uncle Henry says I shall have teachers 
and lessons and a trip abroad when he goes to France on some kind of 
business for the government— I don't know what; but he ought to know I 
can't go and leave mother. He is rich and ought to send some one to stay 
here and look after things; but he never thought about that I reckon, or if 
he did he thought we could fix it up some way. If George was old enough 

to get married, or — " 

[Enter Jack, rear left,] 

JACK "Now Rose I've caught you crying again. Won't you tell me what's 
the matter?" 

ROSE "I want to go and visit with Uncle Henry at Washington. It's 
such a grand opportunity Jack, he offers to educate me, give me a course 
under special teachers and take me with him when he goes to France next 
year. He has been promised some kind of a position with the government 
you knew — " 

JACK 'Oh yes, I know all about it!" 
ROSE "You know what I'm a-tellin' you don't you?" 

JACK "I know it's most likely you're not a-going to take a trip anywhere 
unless it's a wedding journey over to my ranch one of these days— eh Rose?" 
ROSE "I won't! I won't! I won't! I won't marry ycu or anybody else, 
and you needn't get any such fool notions in your head, for if you do they're 
liable to get upset and cause a con--a con— what is it?" 
JACK -"How do I know? A combustion I reckon!" 

ROSE "No, that ain't what I mean— -a combustion is a— er--well a com- 
bustion! Something what just up and busts. What I mean is a con--a 
con--" 

JACK "Well may be its just a plain con. I've heard of con men, but it 
don't sound like a good word to me; I guess a con man would be the kind 
of a man I saw at Pocatello last summer. He was giving the people a 



2 

chance to bet which shell the pea was under. I watched the game awhile 
but my coin stayed in my pocket. Some who believed they could beat the 
game slept in the park that night. One man committed sideways." 
ROSE "Ycu bother me so I can't think! What I mean is a con-fection — 
that's it — a confection!" 

[Jack laughs.] 
JACK "So my fool notions are liable to get upset and cause a confection, 
are they? A confection must be something sweet, for candy stores call 
themselves confectionaries--and what is sweeter than the sweet rose of 
Briar Gulch! Come, give me a kiss, sweetheart, just one, yes, yes!" 

[He kisses her. She protests frantically and they upset the corn.] 
ROSE "There, Jack Dare, just look what you have done!" 
JACK (Looking at Rose 11 "It was with your consent, little girl, now wasn't 
it? And if it was going to happen it would have happened anyway, now 
wouldn't it? And it would have been my fault too, now wouldn't it?" 
ROSE "Of course it would, and you can just pick it up too!" 

[With an audible sigh Jack gets down on the floor and gets reluctantly 

to work.] 
JACK "Rose, you'll help won't you? Come on now, I won't get this corn 
picked up till pitch dark if you don't!" 

[Rose reluctantly helps.] 
ROSE "I want to get done with this corn sometime, so I reckon I'll have to." 

[They are busy for a moment.] 
JACK "If you go to Washington you may see me there some day. I'm 
studying law, and one or two other studies, rhetoric, oratory and Latin when 
I have time at my cabin on the ranch, and I mean to know something for 
my own satisfaction anyway." 

ROSE "You can be what you want to be. Me--I only want to fit myself 
to help father and mother and George--" 
JACK "And me?" 
ROSE "How can I help you?" 

JACK "You inspire me with ambition; but if you go away--if you go away 
— why you will come back a fine lady and will not care to remember — " 
ROSE (Cries audibly) "How mean and selfish you must think me!" 

(Continues crying, Jack puts arm around her.) 

JACK "I do not think you mean and selfish, darling, but money has an 

awful power." 

(Rose still cries, with her head on* Jack's shoulder. Enter Mrs. How- 
land, left rear. She is blind. Attired in plain house dress, cap and cape. 

MOTHER "My soul! What can be the matter? Is anybody dead or dying?" 
(Rose jumps up quickly. Jack rakes corn up in about three vigorous 
scoops, and rises also. Rose seats mother. Jack sets pan on bench. 

JACK "I'll see you later, Rose. Good bye." 

(Jack starts right rear. Enter Silas left rear.) 



3 

SILAS "What's the hurry, young man? Stay and have dinner with us." 

JACK "I'm just as much obliged, but you know a ranchman can't be long 
av/ay from his work, Good bye." 

[Exit Jack rear right. Rose busies herself getting dinner and setting 
the table. Silas seats himself to the left of mother.] 

MOTHER "Silas I believe we can arrange it so that Rose can have her 
visit with Henry. You remember the lady who came to Rockland some 
weeks ago? She came seeking work, and went to the hotel. Mrs. Mait- 
land. the landlady, put her to work but does not need her. I sent George 
to see ner. If she will come George will bring her here to stay with me, 
aid Rose may go to Washington." 

SILAS "I would be very glad for Rose to go, for she needs to have a 
a broadsr view of life than she can get in our narrow surroundings. It will 
be like taking the daylight out of our lives to let her go, but we must make 
the sacrifice." 

[Rose goes to Silas and places arms about his neck.] 
ROSE "Daddy darling I will come back able to teach in the best schools 
in the country, and I will help you with every dollar I get as long as you 
live." 

(She kisses him on the forehead and pats his head, after which she 

proceeds with her work.) 

SILAS "Now Sunbeam that's what I know you'll do. Your Uncle Henry 
has been so good to us — if it hadn't a bin for him — but I know he'll do what's 
right by our Rose, and it would be a burnin' shame not to allow you to go. 
If that lady will come we'll be all right, and you needn't worry about 
mother — George and I will take good care of her." 

ROSE "People wonder why that lady ever came to Rockland — she seems 
a different breed from the people hereabouts." 

SILAS "She is part French I heard — but for that matter there's a lot of 
French people in these hyar diggin's. What brought her here is her own 
affair, and she does not seem inclined to share her confidence with anybody." 
MOTHER "Pa will you read Henry's letter to me again? I want to get 
every word clearly fixed in my mind." 

(Silas fumbles in his inside pocket, pull out a lot of old letters, strings, 
etc., finally selects a letter, opens and reads it, after carefully wiping 
and adjusting his spectacles and clearing his throat.) 

SILAS (Reads letter.) "Washington, D. C, June 24, 1892. My Dear 
Sister and Family. Your letter of recent date at hand. I was glad to hear 
from you, and very glad indeed to know you will consent to allow my niece, 
Rose, to visit me, and hope all obstacles to this proposed visit may be re- 
moved. If she comes let her come as soon as possible, and I will have her 
start in with the young ladies finishing school here, which opens in about 
three weeks. I s*end you a draft to cover all expenses, and enough to buy 
George a good team besides as a present from his old uncle. I have money 
and luxury that had just as well be shared by those I love, and there is no 



4 

one nearer to me than yourself and family. My family consists of a house- 
full of servants who are presided over by my late wife's maiden sister- 
Samantha, and I am sure she and Rose will get on famously together. Wire 
me when Rose leaves Jot Washington; I will meet her in Philadelphia. I 
had intended to come after her, but there are many reasons why I can't 
come now. Will come later. I have to meet Cameron, of New York, here 
tomorrow to talk over business affairs which will require my attention for 
some time to come. Don't disappoint me about Rose. Affectionately, 
Henry Grady. Same address as formerly." 

GEORGE (Outside, rear right.) "Whoa! Whoa Bill, whoa Bige, easy 
now!" 

MOTHER "There's George now — he's driving the ponies he bought with 
the money Henry sent. "My! My! How I should like to see them! Are 
they nice, Rose? Why — I'll tell you what! The Howlands can feel their 
oats pretty soon, can't we Silas?" 

(Rose has been stand : ng at the window watching George and the team.) 
ROSE "It's a peach of a team, mother, and they can travel like greased 
lightning. Both are bays. One has a blaze face and the other has stock- 
ings on its front feet!" 

(Enter George rear right.) 

ROSE "Dinner is ready— where is the lady, can she come?" " 

GEORGE "I'll tell you all about her as soon as I wash. I am as hungry 

as a bear." 

(Exit rear left. Others assemble around the table. Rose assists mother. 

Silas fills bowls which had been placed on table when Rose prepared 

the meal; they may be filled from a larger bowl or crock. They are 

joined by George who approaches the table rolling down sleeves. This 

should be made a very natural, home scene. 

SILAS "Mother, you remarked that the Howlands could begin to feel their 

oats. Now I don't like to hear you intimate that there is or ever was any 

reason why the Howlands should be looked upon in disfavor. I have always 

showed myself ready to help a brother man whenever I can. No one has 

any right to look down on us, not even the so-called best families." 

ROSE "They do it just the same, Daddy.' 

(Silas jumps up, excitedly pounds table with his fists.) 

SILAS "Who does it? Who, does it? Just show me the man who dares 

to say or hint or even think he has better blood in his veins than flows in 

mine!" 

GEORGE "Well Daddy, there's the millionaire attorney of New York, who 

built that palace, The Pines, in the Big Black mountains (pointing.) If one 

of us were to be caught on his grounds he would have us arrested!" 

SILAS "That may be very true my boy. By Heck I know it is true. But 

that is not what I meant. My boy you will understand as you grow older 

that the accumulation of wealth is the least worthy of all pursuits unless it 



5 
is used to benefit in a lasting manner the one who possesses it. We have 
not spent our time in the strenuous pursuit of wealth, but we have had 
leisure to read a book, to study, and to entertain our friends. We know 
what soap is made for, what gentleness is, and as far as ancestry is con- 
cerned we have them all faded I reckon." 

(This speech is delivered standing, after which he clears his throat and 
seats himself very deliberately.) 

MOTHER "Talk about your famous ancestry — and they all think a good 
deal of such things in Washington, I believe — nobody can make a better 
family bush — " 
ROSE "Tree, mother." 

MOTHER "Well, family tree, then — than the Gradys or the Howlands 
either. Why, children, I have a second cousin over in Ireland who married 
a man over there who is an uncle to the famous De Vere who writes poetry. 
Ever read any of his poetry? And Silas! — My land! Silas— Why he's re- 
lated to kings! Tell 'em about that royal relation of yours — " 
SILAS .Chestily) "His name is Higgins — is that the one you mean mother?" 
MOTHER (Laughs lightly) "One would think your royal relations are nu- 
merous, to hear you talk — I reckon that must be the one though — " 
SILAS "He went to South America and became a ruler by his own effort." 
ROSE "What country, Daddy?" 
GEORGE "What relation is he of ours, Dad?" 
SILAL "Questions are too thick — one at a time, please." 
GEORGE "I think I've heard of him before. (Gets up and comes to the 
front of the stage.) Listen, I'll tell you what I heard." 

(These lines are to be spoken spiritedly, with musical accompaniment.) 

Ole Bill B. Higgins was a caught a stealin' chickens, 

One night when the moon was gray, 
An' he had to emigrate for his health was delicate 

An' he had for to go away. Cho. 

But now he's a popular man, 
Now he's the chief of the clan. 

In a country of his kind 

He became a master mind 
When he had for to go away. 

Ole Bill B. Higgins had to run like the dickens 

To escape from sas-si-ety. 
We admire his noble brow, and are proud to claim him now, 

For he's the Honorable William B. Cho. 

(The members of the family laugh. There is a short pause. George 
resumes chair at the. table, but supper seems over and all push back. 

ROSE "What about Jack, Daddy? I reckon he's a social outcast sure 
enough, if family is to count!" 

SILAS "I knew his father back east. There were two of the children, 
boy and girl. The mother died when the boy was about two years old. 



6 

The mother was a French woman. After the mother's death the old 
man sent the girl, Florence, I believe her name was, to New York to live 
with her mother's sister. Then after a time he came out to Idaho, bring- 
ing Jack with him, and as chance would have it he homesteaded near me, 
and he lived on his ranch until he died--when Rose was about twelve or 
thirteen years of age. Do you remember him, Rose?" 
ROSE "Only slightly. He was never very sociable, was he?" 
SILAS "Well, he didn't seem much interested in his neighbors." 
MOTHER "Tell us, my son, what about the lady you went to see this 
morning? You did not bring her--" 

GEORGE "She will come tomorrow. I am to go after her. Her name is 

Florence Cassell, and she is a widow. You will like her I know— for I do. She 

is pleasant company, but she's different— she's not like we'uns." 

MOTHER "I know we'll get along all right. Is she nice looking?" 

GEORGE "Yes. she's purty enough I 'low; her voice is low and sweet, and 

she's one of the kind a feller feels like he ought to raise his hat to." 

ROSE "Then if she comes tomorrow why can't I get ready and go today? 

It is only a week till the opening of that school Uncle Henry spoke of. My 

clothes have been ready a long time— ail I've got to do is to pick up and go; 

mayn't I Daddy?" 

SILAS "It seems you might go soon. Sunbeam." 

ROSE "Let me start today. The through train leaves the Falls somet'me 

this afternoon— do you know what time, George?" 

GEORGE "At four thirty." 

ROSE (Excitedly) "it will take us two hours to drive it—" 

GEORGE "Not with this team, I can drive it in an hour if I have to. Dad 

can finish his story about our royal relation!" 

ROSE (Rising and going toward left front exit) "Daddy you write it all 

out about the kings and things. Because if there is a chance of us having 

a hook we can fasten onto the social ship we'll take a little sail up Bluff 

river." 

(Exit Rose left front) 

GEORGE "My dead 'n gone ancestry will not buy me anything. There is 

no better rating given to a man who has a grandpap than to a man who 

has none. Hard work and hard study will win smiles from the old lady 

named Fortune. I know what is good for Georgie." 

SILAS "Now ain't that the truth my boy? The more you realize that the 

nearer you'll come to havin' the payments ready for that land you bought of 

our rich neighbor who owns the fine house on the mountain side." 

MOTHER "Where's Rose?" 

SILAS "She's getting ready to go I guess. Do you think, mother, it would 

be a good plan for her to go this afternoon?" 

MOTHER "1 think she had better wait and meet the lady George will 

will bring tomorrow — " 



7 

GEORGE "Then I can't take her till next week. I promised Jack I would 
come over to his place tomorrow. His hay is down and he will have to 
have help to get it stacked, and the next day there is to be a sale over to 
McGruders, and I want to go over there and buy some of his tools and a 
good cow. I still have a little money, and I can get long time payments." 
MOTHER "And then the next day is Saturday — a very unlucky day to 
begin a journey; so unless she goes today she will have to wait until wash- 
ing and ironing is done next week. We never could hold her that long, now 
that she knows she can go, so I reckon today is the best time — but me oh 
my! It is a long and terrible trip for a child to make alone!" 
GEORGE "Now mother don't you worry. Rose is no baby and will get 
along all right." 

(Enter Rose from left front. George and Silas rise. Rose wears a very 
gaudily trimmed straw hat with long, red streamers. A brilliantly 
colored calico dress made with very short sleeves, low neck, and an 
old-fashioned overskirt looped high front and back. Red sash, red par- 
asol and red stockings. Low shoes. Dances across stage. Specialty 
may be "introduced.) 

ROSE "Do you suppose the old capital ever saw anything half so spark- 
ling as I be?" 

(George stops her mad dance by a swift embrace and kiss.) 
GEORGE "You are tne warmest beam of a summer's sun — you are the 
bright rainbow itself. Muggins!" 

(Silas looks at her critically, arms akimbo.) 
MOTHER "Tell me about yourself, Cherub — how are you dressed up so 
fine?" 
ROSE "I have a perfect dream of a hat — " 

(George groans.) 
GEORGE (Aside) "Well maybe it is a dream— I've known some fellers to 
have very bad dreams the day after!" 

ROSE "With paper flowers and long, beautiful streamers; a lovely dress 

all made in the latest style — I made it myself after a picture I saw in the 

(here mention name of local paper) Jack had it up here some time ago — 

1 have a red sash — a beautiful, red sash, just like that worn by the man at 

the county fair who rode the big horse and looked so mighty; and I have a 

red parasol with lace on it, red stockings and real slippers." 

MOTHER "You are very fine indeed! But I want you to promise me one 

thing — " 

ROSE "And what is that, mother?" 

MOTHER "That you allow no stranger to talk to you. Buy yourself a 

good book or two and mind your own business. Such a dress will betray a 

traveler's inexperience." 

SILAS "She looks all right mother— don't make her sad. I have a promise 

to ask of you Rose — " 

ROSE "Well, Daddy?" 

SILAS "That every night you will remember the old home, your mother in 



her affliction, your old daddy who loves you, and George and all of us." 

(Rose throws arms about her father's neck and sobs on his breast.) 
ROSE "May God end my days if I ever cease to remember in tenderest 
love every tie which binds me to this dear spot. My loved ones and these 
loved surroundings--the mountains, the crags, the rivers and the flowery 
woods are a part of myself, and every wild retreat is imprinted on my mem- 
ory by some incident of my happy childhood." 

(Rose goes to mother, kneels at her feet and lays her head in her lap.) 
MOTHER "May the Father in Heaven ever guard from sin my precious 
cnild cause her days to prosper and bless her in her new home." 

(Tnis is said with hand on Rose's head. Silas and George bow heads; 

there is a moment's silence.) 

GEORGE (Looks at watch) "We have no time to lose." 

(Rose jumps up.) 

ROSE "I'm all ready George, help me get my bundles." 

(She rushes in left front, followed by George. Both come forth with 
various bandboxes, telescopes and bundles. Comedy can be worked in 

here.) 

SILAS (Astonished.) "By hen 1 didn't 'spose— say-Rose are you taking 
the landscape with you?" 

Rose and George exit rear right, hurriedly reappear and go back after 

more. 

GEORGE "I'll dump a lot of this junk in the gulch." 

ROSE "Uncle Henry said (waving red parasol) not to bring only just what 
I had to have, and so I ain't!" 

SILAS "And of course it's absolutely necessary for you to have a sun- 
shade—a red sunshade — to protect your pretty face from the smoke of the 
train!" 
ROSE "Now daddy 1 do need this — ain't it pretty?" 

(Holds parasol over him.) 

SILAS "En — go on now— I look like a cow with a collar on!" 

(Rose kisses him.) 

SILAS "Don't you go and let any bys run away with my little girl now — " 
ROSE "I won't, daddy." 

(Mother stands. ' Rose sets bundle down, she and mother embrace.) 
MOTHER "It is hard to let you go, baby, but it is, for your advantage and 
will mean much to you, and much to us all in the long run. You will come 
in contact with a different class of people. You will see life in a different 
pnase. You will gain an experience that will help you all your life. It is 
God's will." 

(Rose takes up bundle and parasol and follows George; exit rear right.) 
ROSE "I shall always try to be deservin' of such a good mother and such 
a good daddy. I will be good. Good bye." 

(Silas stands at the window in rear, watching. Mother stands also, 

near a chair at the left center of the stage.) 



9 

MOTHER "Pa are you here?" 

SILAS "Yes, mother, I am watching them." 

MOTHER "You cannot see them after they turn the corner at the cem- 
etery, can you?" 

SILAS (Waves old red bandana.) "There, the darling looked back and waved 
her pretty hand at her old dad, God bless her." 

MOTHER "Don't watch them until they get out of sight, pa, for I've hearn 
tell as how it's bad luck. They say you'll never see them again — " 

SILAS "Don't— Don't— mother I did watch her ouc of sight, as who that 
has eyes would not!" 

MOTHER "Well— I'm not one of the superstitious kind any way; let the 
dishes stand awhile and bring the Bible and read to me the beautiful story 

of Ruth." 

Before she has finished speaking he has secured the Bible. They both 
sit. Both wipe their eyes, father using the old red bandana. As cur- 
tain falls Silas is turning the leaves trying to find the Book of Ruth, but 
seems unable to read because of blurring vision. Wipes and adjusts 

spectacles again. 

CURTAIN. 
ACT I. Second Scene. 

[This scene is similar in its setting to the first scene of Act I. It rep- 
resents a ranchman's domicile. Stove may be removed and table placed 
where stove was. A lounge rear left, on which Jack lies, propped high. 
The window in the rear must be larger and in the center. It must be open.' 
This scene is supposed to occur about a month later than the first, at Jack's 
home. Table is stacked with a few pans, a skillet or two and coffee pot. 
George sits tilted back in a chair, his legs crossed, smoking a pipe and 
reading. Jack has arm bandaged. Costuming, that of western men. Flor- 
ence wears neat, dark dress, and large, black hat] 

Florence Discovers Brother and Son. 

GEORGE "Well there's nothin' like getting into sassiety, even if a feller 
does have to break a leg to do it. Here's a Rockland item in this Pocatello 
newspaper— want to hear it?" 

JACK "Is it about my accident?" 

GEORGE "I would'nt be askin' you if you want to hear it, would I, ef it 
it wasn't? Of course you don't want to hear about another man breakin' 
his bones— taint interestin' at all. But when it's you own bones — why that's 
a different matter." 

JACK "Ah— cut it— let's hear the official report." 

GEORGE "All right— its from a Rockland correspondent, and reads: Dr. 

Sawyer, of Pocatello, was in this neighborhood recently — " 

JACK "I'll bet old sawbones has that line stereotyped to use at the head 

of every item relating to any case of sickness anywhere. Now why is he of 

more importance than the man who--" 

GEORGE "People who go into sassiety always have a price to pay. The 



10 

only reason why you are noticed at all in The Daily Cackle is because His 

Eminence, for the sum of two hundred dollars, condescended to readjust 

your broken forearm to its original symmetry and proportion— 

JACK "Which?" 

GEORGE "I'm thinking about making my debut (pronounce it de-but, as 

it would be if English) into sassiety myself." 

JACK "I'ts about time you'd butt in somewhere's, I guess. Read the rest 

of that junk." 

GEORGE (Reading) "Dr. Sawyer, of Pocatello, was in this neighborhood 

recently, having been summoned to attend Jack Dare, who suffered a very 

severe accident while branding horses at his ranch. Young Dare is by no 

means a tenderfoot, yet in some manner he fell from his horse and was 

dragged a considerable d stance before rescued — " 

JACK 'Lord Lizzie ain't that a send-off for a tough old bat like me? Fell 

from my horse, eh! It's libel — I'll have satisfaction — that writer shall buy 

Black Imp— he deserves to be rolled on— flattened out till all the lies were 

mashed out, of him— say I wish you'd get me a mug of cider." 

(George takes tin cup off of the table, exit left front, returning hands it 
to Jack. He talks all the while. Jack drinks and returns cup. 

GEORGE "Tne Daily Cackle gets it about as straight as any of them. The 
trouble with you is— (looks off right) Lord help me there come her lady- 
ship. Mrs. Cassell! Now ain't this a pretty mess of a house for a lady to 
come into--here--maybe I can hide a few of these--" 

(Throws a skillet out of the window; it evidently hits a dog which howl6 
long and loud. Skillet is followed by a couple of pans and the remainder 
is hurriedly carried front left. Jack laughs, George talks the while.) 

GEORGE "I might have nad this work all done if it hadn't a been for 
reading to you--you're a heap o' trouble young feller!" 

(Enter Florence rear right.) 

FLORENCE "Good morning, boys." 

(Jack and George speak together.) 

JACK "Good morning Miss Cassell." 

GEORGE "How's everything at home?" 

FLORENCE "Everything is all right. I have all the work done and dinner 

on. All your mother will have to do will be to keep it from burning. She 

said she could do that all right and for me to come over here and look after 

Jack. How are you, Jack?" 

JACK "I'm getting on fine--going to get out of this tomorrow—had a good 

night last night." 

GEORGE "I'll go and look after the stock. Will be back in an hour or so.' 

FLORENCE "I rode the blaze face over, look after him please." 

GEORGE "All right." 

(Exit George rear right.) 

JACK it's so good of you to bother about my troubles—" 



11 

FLORENCE "Now, don't talk like that please. I've got something for you 
that will please you — it will cure you of all your diseases." 
JACK "Ah, happy anticipation! What is it?" 

(Florence sits by him, takes off hat and lays it on the floor.) 
FLO "It's a letter. I went over to Rockland yesterday and I asked for 
your mail and here it is— no one knows but me." (Hands him letter.) 

JACK "It's a letter from Washington — from the dearest, sweetest girl in 
all the world." (Turns letter, kisses it, fondles it.) 

FLO "Well, of course — but why don't you read it?" 

(Jack slips letter under his pillow.) 
JACK "It will keep, I guess, and will be a pleasure I can enjoy when I 
have to amuse myself. While you are here I want to talk with you." 
FLO "What do you want for dinner?" 

JACK "Never mind dinner now. George killed a few birds last night, and 
they can be cooked after he returns. There is plenty of grapes and that is 
all I want." 

(Jack reaches out and takes her locket, which dangles from a chain 
about her neck.) 

FLO "I brought you over some fresh bread and butter and a cake of 

honey." 

(Jack sits up, examines locket intently. Florence unclasps chain and 
let's him take it.) 

FLO "It's a very queer little thing, isn't it?" 

JACK (Aside) "Impossible! Surely I must be dreaming!" 

FLO "Tell me— have you ever seen a locket like that before? There is 

only one other like it in all the world, and it contains, as does this one—" 

(Jack gets half out of bed in his excitement.) 
JACK "Go on — in heaven's name, woman, what does it contain?" 
FLO (Bends forward excitedly* ."Open it and see for yourself what it 
contains. Oh, if you have one like it you know how to open it. The spring 
is secret, and to those who do not know,' the locket seems to be solid, with 
but a simple emerald setting, and those initials engraved on the back." 

(Jack opens the locket.) 
JACK "It is my own mother's picture!" 

FLO (Rises.) "Prove it to me by producing the duplicate of this locket. 
For if it is true — " 

JACK "The duplicate of this lccket is in the top til of my trunk in the 
bedroom yonder; it is in a small velvet case--you can't fail to find it— the 
key to the trunk is in the pocket of my black pants which hang behind the 
door." 

(Exit Florence left front, returning after a moment with a small box. 

Jack sits up. They compare the jewels. They face each other.) 

FLO "This is the most important moment of my whole life. I have been 
praying for years that God would lead me to my brother— for I have so 
sorely needed you—and I need you now. At last my prayers have been 



12 

answered!" (Falls on knees at Jack's side and he draws' her close and 

kisses her.) 
JACK "Tnank God I've someone to live for and work for now, sweet sister 
the gain is not ail yours. A day has not passed that my heart has not 
longed for home ties--for love and sympathy--for don't you know dear that 
is all there is to life anyway?" 

FLO "Since our poor mother went away no one has really cared for me." 
JACK '"You have had a hard time dear one, but if your big brother can 
help it you you shall not suffer any more." (Jack caresses Florence's hair.) 
FLO (Still kneels on floor at Jack's feet.) "I remember our home and you 
and father and mother only as a half-forgotten dream. I was sent to New 
York and lived with Aunt Mary something over ten years. She died and 
then I was alone indeed. There was no property. Uncle turned me out to 
shift for myself as best I could. He returned to France. I rented a small 
apartment and my friends brought me work. I could make men's shirts 
and fancy neckties; besides I was frequently hired to pose for designs for 
advertising purposes and by these means I made my living. It was clean 
and honest and I was doing fairly well. Finally I had a suite of three rooms, 
a work room, a parlor and a bedroom. My bed room was my safeguard 
from evil. I cared not how hard 1 worked, nor what humiliation I suffered 
during the day, the thought of my pure, clean, white bedroom was always 
an inspiration. All evil was outside, no unclean thing was allowed in this 
room of immaculate purity." 

JACK "And your friends--you had friends of course?" 
FLO "Yes--after a fashion. But the women who have time to be of real 
help to a girl situated as I was are interested in church work or have some 
hobby or other; they lack sympathy and understanding. The women who are 
really desirable as friends are those who are engaged in business, or have 
to hustle for a living. But this class has no time for sociability. Men. as a 
rule are not different from women, except that they are infinitely more sel- 
fish. If 1 could have had just one, true, sensible woman friend I might have 
been saved years of agony." 

(Jack continues to stroke her hair caressingly.) 
JACK "Do not distress yourself--" 

FLO "Don't stop me--all my life my lips "have been closed, for I realize 
no one really cares. But brother, I feel that I am the victim of a terrible 
wrong--perhaps you can help me right it. Among the men who bought 
neckties of me was a very wealthy New York attorney. On several occa- 
sions he sought to make love to me but I always repulsed him. At last he 
avowed his love and asked me to become his wife. I thought I loved him 
and gave my consent. In a few weeks we were quietly married and went 
away on our wedding trip. In a strange town in the far South I found my- 
self deserted a month afterwards. I left the hotel immediately, seeking 
employment of the dressmakers of the town. After awhile I made my way 
back to New York and for awhile made neckties at the old stand. I never 



13 

heard from my husband, but I took steps to ascertain If I was a real wife, or 
if I had been tricked into a mock marriage. It was a real marriage all right. 
My husband seemed to regard poor people as beasts who have no rights a 
rich man is bound to respect. A rich man might do anything and his check- 
book was a clear passport to the best society had to offer. Money was a salve 
to his conscience, the glitter of gold obliterated any stain of blood, and a poor 
girl like me could expect no consideration at his hands. I consider it a 
compliment to my intelligence that no attempt was made to deceive me as 
to the marriage." 

JACK "How did you come to drift away out here?" 

FLO 'Quite by accident I learned that the man I married had invested 
much of his fortune in pine forests an.d mines of Idaho. Also that it was 
his whim to erect a magnificent palace in this neighborhood. I intend to 
stay here and defend my rights. I will see him some day, and then he shall 
learn that ragged jackets do not always cover coward hearts — (brandishes 
dagger) Jack, will you help me?" 

(Jack kisses her.) 
JACK "You bet 1 will!" 
FLO "And my child—" 

(Jack starts violently.) 
JACK "Was there a child?" 

(Enter George Howland, rear right, stands unobserved.) 
FLO "Yes. a boy. His name is George, and he would now be about six- 
teen years of age. At a time when he was about two years old I became 
very ill and the charity workers took my boy and placed him temporarily in 
a New York orphanage. I meant to leave him there only until I regained 
my health, and found a permanent, paying position of some kind. But when 
i went after him I found that the officers of the institution had placed him 
with a family in the far West, giving them the pledge that the boys' where- 
abouts should not be made known until after he is twenty-one. Then he 
will be able to do for himself and, they think, will not be bothered by parents 
u iworthy of his love. I imagine him to be just such a fine young fellow as 
George Howland." 

JACK "As your brother have I the right to know the name of the father 
of this boy?" 

I'LO "Yes — you have the right, but there is much more to tell; I will have 
to go — dear mother Howland is alone and will need me." 

(Florence rises, facing Jack; adjusts hat and necklace.) 
JACK "Wait! There is nothing so important to you or to me as your life. 
If I am to help you I must know now who is the man you called your hus- 
band?" 

FLO "He is a prominent attorney and I have heard his name mentioned in 
the Howland home as having done some work for Colonel Grady. His 
name is — " (She whispers the name in the ear of Jack.) 

JACK "And the boy — would you know him if you were to see him?" 



14 

FLO "1 do not know. Tell me, Jack, do you know anything about George 
Howland? My son had a very peculiar birthmark— like three scarlet fingers 
had been placed over his heart—" 

JACK "Why do you ask about George? If he is not the son of my neigh- 
bor no one in these parts is the wiser." 

FLO "And were I to discover that he is really my son I would not wish to 
disturb Mother Howland in the peaceful relationship which exists. I would 
wish the truth to be kept secret. I feel strangely drawn toward George—" 
GEORGE "Madam you must pardon me— I have heard a part of your 
conversation— (flings shirt open on the left side)— is this the mark of your 
son?" 

(George steps forward slightly, sombrero thrown back on his head. Jack 
leans back on the couch, Florence stands left center, every show of in- 
tense excitement, hands clenched. Scarlet fingers plainly visible.) 

FLO "It is the same— you are my son!" 

CURTAIN. 
ACT II. 

[Washington. Home of Col. Grady. Scene represents a park. Rustic seat 
right front. Enter Rose, rear right, attired in simple white dress, hat swing- 
ing over her shoulders. She is carrying a bunch of flowers, sings as she 
enters; seems preoccupied.] 

ROSE "After a year in school it is most delightful to be free to roam these 
beautiful grounds with no thought of study. Ah! how I love this place. I 
have walked miles this morning, and found— sixteen bird nests! And the 
lovliest flowers! I have climbed trees and gathered specimens until I am 
quite tired — but happy--I wish this life might never end!" 

(Begins again to sing. Looks right, sees man coming, song ceases.) 
ROSE "There is that man 1 have seen with Uncle Henry so much. I am 
afraid of him— let me make my escape as fast as ever I can." (Exit left rear.) 
(Enter. Dan Cameron, rear right, attired as hunter, carries a gun.) 
DAN "I was sure I would find Miss Howland here— I am certain I heard 
her singing. Ah! my blue-eyed treasure, you shall all be mine someday, 
by fair means I hope, but mine anyway— and I don't mind admitting that 
you are almost worth the wooing of a person of my ambitions and attain- 
ments. Yes— I really believe I love the heiress of Colonel Grady's vast 
possessions, but I also know that the colonel's bank account and the will I 
lately drew for him lend to this elusive fairy a golden charm. If I marry at 
all it is absolutely necessary I marry an aristocrat— gilt-edged — I need the 
! have !y in the street, until now everything I have left is 

my property in the West. I have reasons to believe my chances are good 
w'th the administration for a diplomatic post— so a rich marriage would 
come in pretty handy just now. I'll leave no trick unturned that will help 
to bring it about. (Looks at watch.) It's about time for lunch— and after 
lunch I'll find an opportunity to let the old hunks know of the great honor I 
intend to confer upon his niece and heiress." 

(Exit rear left. Bumps into Samantha Windlass. Cameron rubs his 



15 

arm and swears aside, but quickly recovers himself and apologizes to 
the irate old maid.' Samantha storms and raves, re-arranges her hair 
and rubs her arm. Her hair is very tightly drawn into a knot at the 
back of her head, with little corkscrew curls at neck and one or two 
stray curls in front. She wears a rose in her hair just behind her left 
ear. We suggest a bright dress with a tremendous amount of ruffles 
and lace — as fussy as possible. In her bosom she carries a package of 
letters. Switches across stage and flings herself on bench right. 

SAM "I thought I would steal away for a safe, suah, quiet houah in the 
woods--but it seems there is no place on earth where one may be all by 
themselves. (Sighs deeply.) Tis true / would not object to company if 
only I might have a say who it was to be, and maybe the the day is not dis- 
tant when I shall have that say. (Takes letters out of bosom.) I wondah 
if my advertisement in the Cleveland marriage papah lied very much? It 
did not seem to me that it did. (Reads a clipping) 'A maiden with dark 
eyes and dark coils, a good figuah, and good financial prospects'— I know 
Henry would be glad to give me a good send-off if 1 should find a husband— 

Allie Weeds, tramp, appears rear right. 
'A maiden'— I did not need to say 'a maiden lady,' for if I had the reader 
would have thought I was at least seventy-five instead of twenty-five, 
(Tramp throws a fit) 'with dark coils'— that is the absolute truth, (caresses 
curls; and dark eyes— that is also very true (Tramp has more fits) 'a 
good figuah and good financial prospects' (Tramp grows suddenly interest- 
ed) 'desiahsgood husband. Must be artistic tempahament.' " [Looks over 

letters. Tramp pats his head and struts about.] 
ALLIE (Aside.) "I've got a revolution in my old suet top, that I'll turn into 
cash!" 

SAM (Holds up letters) "Theah ah a few men in the world ready to show 
theah appreciation of my chahms — " 

AL (Aside) "i'll show you anything in the world old gal if only one of 
ihem thar 'financial suspects' are offered as an inducement!" 

Samantha reads letter. 
SAM "Camden, N. J., May 17. To my fair friend. I have been handed 
your letter to the matrimonial bureau, and out of hundreds of like billet doux" 
AL (Aside 1 "Billy goats— lord! 

SAM " 'I feel that youahs is written by the hand I long to hold.' " 
AL (Aside) "He wants to hold her billy goat!" 

Samantha continues to read. 
SAM " 'Theah is no doubt in my mind that we are created for one anothah 
and. deah one, so sure do I feel of this that I ask youah puhmission to call at 
once. I am drawn to you by a feeling I cannot explain noh understand. 
Please ansah at once, as I feah I shall be unable to withstand a long delay. 
My ahms ache to clasp you to my heaht that I may show you what a wealth 
of affection I am capable of bestowing upon you. Feverishly awaiting youah 
reply I am, most devotedly youahs, A. W. Lock Box 1067." 
AL (Aside) "A. W.? The gods are favoring me!" 
SAM "I cuttainly like his style. Theah ah some fifty othah lettahs heah, 



16 

but this one seems to be written by a Southern gentleman of the old school, 
who knows how to appreciate the love of a good woman! I like an impetu- 
ous lovah--but 1 don't like making love to a lock box--he might have signed 
his name." ' 

AL [Hand on heart, bows low before Samantha] "Pardon the intrusion — 
my dear madam, my heart tells me I see before me none other than the 
fairy of my dreams, the idol of my heart, the one woman in all the world to 
to me— my queen — my own — my love — I am the A. W. who asked permission 
to call, but being unable to restrain the torrent of my passion for you have 
listed to the call of that something within me which has drawn me closer 
and closer, with unerring certainty, like a maggot in the heart you have 
drawn me— until here I lay ac your feet my fortune, my life my all — only 
hoping— only begging--only praying--" 
SAM 'Say, w.iat's the mattah with you-all anyway?" 

(Tramp looks behind him all around.) 

SAM '' //ell what ah you looking for?" 

AL "To see how many there are of me!" 

SAM "You ah one of Coxey's ahmy puhaps, and of couse, hungry?" 

AL "1 have a small army all my own love — and we're all hungry— for pie 

and sympathy—give me the pie first, it won't matter about the sympathy." 

SAM (Holds up letter) "Did you write this lettah?" 

(Tramp takes seat beside her.) 
AL "I am the fantastic gentlemen who wrote the billy goat. I have de- 
ceived you in nothing. More than anything (aside: 'besides the pie) I desire 
your love— your promise that you will not cut down your poor Allie Weeds 
and leave him to wither to ashes and blow away in the blight of your scorn. 
Do give me a little word of love, my own— the pie will be so much better!" 
(Encircles her wa;st with his arm, her head rests on his shoulder.) 
SAM "Youah impetuousity is most irresistible!" 

AL (Aside) "Gee, 1 wonder if that something good to eat! I hope she 
won't fergit about the pie!" 

SAM "//ere you saying something, Allie deah?" 

AL "On— er— no— not at all— how could I say anything? My heart is so 
full of happiness I only dream-- (aside)— of pie!" 

SAM "Ah my own-how did you discovah that youah affections were cen- 
tahd upon me?" 

AL "In all creatures of flesh and blood the heart and stomach are very 
close together. What effects one, especially in a man, effects the other. 
Now the most winning and delicious little creation in the world is .... a pie!" 
SAM "If you are hungry why don't you eat?" 
AL "Keep off the grass— twenty-five dollars fine!" 

SAM "I trust you with my very life deah one, why can you not trust me?" 
AL "I had a sunstroke several years ago, and ever since then the least 



17 

thought of work effects me very strangely. The result has been that the 

trust people place in me has no cash value." 

SAM "My pooh honey! Have you no money?" 

AL "I was so crazy to meet my tootsie woo that I walked too much in the 

hot sun. 1 fell by the wayside and lay for hours not knowing where I was. 

When I came to, my jewels, my money, my clothes and my character had 

been all stolen, and only these old rags were left tome. There was nothing 

left for me to do but to put them on and come to you as fast as I could. I 

argjsd tnat if y)ur heart was in the right place you would not turn me 

down." 

SAM "It's in the right place all right— wait a minute." 

(Both get up. Samantha goes behind bench, in view of audience, and 
takes purse from her stocking. While she does it she says "Don't look!" 
and tramp turns head away— opens mouth in amazement. Samantha 
comes back, gives him bill.) 

SAM "Here is some money—a small loan, get youahself a new suit and a 

squah meil. Meet me heah tomorrow at this houah." 

(Tramp takes money with a deep bow.) 

AL "I will be he:e, with lard in my hair and my ears pinned back." 

(Samatha is going, pauses at rear left exit.) 

SAM. 'Sorry 1 can't invite you to lunch— its away past ouah regulah 
houah and--" 

AL "Ah— don't mention it--" 

SAM "Goodbye!" (Exit left rear.) 

AL ,Hand on stomach. Looks at bill.) "Holy snakes! One hundred dol- 
lars! Olive oii! (.vaves hand at Samantha) Reservoir! (Dances for joy, 

waves bill on high) I am going over to the and order a hundred 

dollars worth of ice cream and onions!" (Exit rear right, dancing as he 
goes, waving bill.) 

[Enter Rose, on the arm of her uncle: Col. Henry Grady. Col. Grady 
is a typical Southern gentleman; attired in light gray clothes, carries his 
broad-brimmed nat in his hand.] 
COL "So you think ouah Washington home is fine, do you Sunbeam?" 
ROSE "It is grand! In Idaho we have everything that is grand, and awful, 
and majestically beautiful in nature. The scenery is inspiring— thrilling— 
-the wildness seems to know no restraint— and the people are like the 
country— grand, noole in mind and sentiment, knowing no restraint of ex- 
pression or achievement; and uncle dear, I am like them— a native child of 
tne wilds; I feel that I could never endure restraint. Suppression and re- 
pression would not be long tolerated by a child of the West, and it is there 
you find the true American. But I do not know as I can describe the charm 
of your home. There is leisure, culture, plenty of time for love, plenty of 
time for gentleness, plenty of time to study each other's comfort and plenty 
of time to make each other happy." (Embraces and kisses uncle.) 

CGL. "That is one of the luxuries money can buy. But without it /would 
have the money for those things anyway, they are second natuah to me, 



13 

and I would rathah go without sufficient to eat than to have to give all my 
time to a mad scramble to procuah the wherewith to buy it. Women weah 
created beautiful, they should be kept so. It is a sin against the Greatah to 
force a woman to work for her bread. But come, let's sit down. Theahs 
much I wish to say." (They are seated on the bench; silence for a moment.) 
ROSE "You — you make me almost apprehensive, uncle; is what you would 
tell me vary important — have I been bad?" 

COL (Laughs) "No, no, Sunbeam, it is not a scolding I am going to give, 
but only to tell you-ail that Dan Cameron wishes to marry you." 
ROSE (Catches breath quickly, looks intensely hurt.) "Dan Cameron 
wishes to marry me'.'' 

COL "This evening he asked me to favah his suit. I told him I would not 
throw my influence against h : m, that if you wanted to marry him it was 
you-all who would have to live with him and not I. Dan is considered a 
very successful man of the world, and I believe he has a brilliant futah." 
ROSE "Would you experience happiness or satisfaction if this event trans- 
pired? (Aside.) Oi! if it was anybody on earth but Dan Cameron!" 
COL "No, Sunbeam, my little girl's happiness is the only thing to be con- 
sidered. I would be pleased if you-all could be happy with somebody 
worthy of youah love. Gamsron is a gentleman as fah as I know. He has 
had charge of my legal affaians for ten yeahs." 

ROSE "Uncle Henry you know what love is don't you--you loved Aunt 
Julia?" 

COL "1 shall nevah cease to love her. In spirit she is with me always. 
She was a puah gift from heaven, but I was only allowed to keep the price- 
less treasuah a short time. Some day I shall see her again — some day — " 

(Bows head.) 

ROSE "I do no': tnink I could ever bring myself to regard Mr. Cameron 
with such reverent affection— and I believe that is the only love God would 
smile upon— the only love that is right in his sight." 

COL "Sunbeam, is there any one in the world you could love in that way?" 

(Rose looks down and is silent a moment.) 
ROSE "There was a boy back home — he was one of our neighbor boys, 
Jack Dare. 1 was his girl always and 1 thought him strong and brave. He 
was the best shot in the country, the best rider and the most adept at 
throwing a rope — and besides that he was the handsomest boy in the whole 
country!" 

COL "And do you think you could love Jack in this way?" 
ROSE "Yours is the love of a gallant, chivalrous Southern gentleman, but 
mine is a woman's heart — I do not know — I do not know." 

(Enter Samantha rear left.) 
COL "Perhaps Samantha can help you some Sunbeam — sometimes the 
old girl is real!y--ah--quite sensible for an old maid. (Rises.) I am going 
back to my room and have Dinah fix me up something for this headache — 
I'll be bound it's killing me." 



19 

v Kisses Rose. Hand on head, exit left front. Rose bows head on left 
nand. Samantha comes up to her and is seated on bench.) 

SAM "You-all don't seem to be right peart. What is it? Have you done 

got youahself exposed to the measles?" 

ROSE (Laughs and sighs.) "No,- no. I almost wish it was. It is only 

that Mr. Cameron seeks my hand in marriage, and I believe that it would 

give my dear Uncle Henry great pleasure if I would consent. I feel a deep 

sense of gratituae--" 

SAM "No Grady would ever hear of a 'gratitude' marriage — little girl if 

you love nim, marry him." 

(Cameron appears left rear; evening clothes. Rose remains silent.) 

SAM "If you weah past middle life and realized youah worthlessness and 

dependence as 1 do, and longed for love and companionship as I have, an 

offah of marriage would not be lightly considered, especially from a man of 

Mistah Cameron's ability and prospects." 

CAM (Laughs lightly. Aside): "Great, old girl! 1 had thought to come 

ano plead my own case — but I'll saunter through the woods awhile." 

(Exit rear left.) 

HOSE "My dear friend--! never dreamed your life could be thus lonely — 

we are all so selfish and thoughtless--" 

SAM "But I begin to feel now as though life held new interest — we're in 

the same boat—I've had an offah of marriage myself!" 

[A shot is fired left. Allie Weeds, fantastically attired, runs on stage 
irom left rear, falls kicking and sprawling at a terrible rate at the wom- 
en's teet. Samantha screams, mounts seat, but gets down when she 
discovers wfiu it is. Allie is followed by Cameron, who carries smoking 
revolver whicn he puts into his pocket. Allie has another kicking spell 
anci bamantha bends' over mm.] 

SAM "Why it's my own darling Weeds — Allie, honey, what's done hurt 
you-d.ii? Wheabs the pain, wnat can I do for you?" 

AL "My dear I've been shot — accidentally west of the diaphragm. Other- 
w.se your Weeds would never smi'e again." (Rises, staggers off stage cen- 
ter ngnt, lollowtd by the weeping Samantha.) 

DAN "He is not hurt — a mere scratch. 1 thought him a tramp and ordered 
him from the premises, but since 1 discover he is to be Samantha's husband 
1 shall apologize." 

ROSE "Do gentlemen of your attainments and ability make a practice of 
carrying concealed weapons?" 

DAN "It was the merest ace. dent I happened to have it with me to-night." 
ROSE "You are both hasty and careless in its use Why should you open 
fire upon a man whose only known fault is poverty and ragged attire?" 
DAN (Bows to Rose) "The sentiment is all right for novels and the sen- 
sational drama--but let us talk of something more pleasant. (Attempts to 
draw Rose to him. she shrinks away.) 1 love you, dearest, become my wife 
and you may champion whatever hobby you may happen to fancy. Come, 
sweetheart, your answer, quick, for here comes Colonel Grady and, another." 



20 

ROSE (Flings herself from him) "There may be circumstances under 
which it would seem advisable to protect one's self, but I have always been 
taught chat it was cowardly and criminal to visit one's friends with weapons 
concealed on the person. Under no circumstances would I marry a man I 
had reason to regard in this light." 

(Enter Col. Grady and Jack Dare, left rear. Jack is attired as a typical 

Westerner.) 
COL "Rose you will be glad to meet an old friend — " 
ROSE (Runs to meet him and is clasped in his arms. He kisses her.) 
"Jack! Jack!"' 

DAN (Aside) "Well, by George! I now see which way the wind blows!" 
COL (Introducing) "Mistah Cameron, this young man is a friend of Rose's 
family in Idaho-- Mistah Jack Daah. I hope you two will become quite good 
friends." 

(Cameron advances, extends hand, Jack turns his back and walks off 
three or four steps left.) 

ROSE "Oh-!" 

COL "Why!-- why !--'pon my word what can this mean?" 

DAN (Aside) "This fellow knows something — he means mischief to me. I 

must silence him — I must gain time." 

DAN (To Rose and Col. Grady) "Some backwoods booby — with a brain 

disordered by drink perhaps; I shall not be offended — pay no attention to 

him. Persons in his condition must be humored if kept amiable." 

,Rose haughtily ignores his remark and turns at once to Jack.) 
ROSE "Oh--Jack, what is the news from home? Tell me of mother, 
George and Florence! ' 

DAN (Aside) "Florence! Florence! Good God, is it possible this fellow 
knows that woman's story and has come here to denounce me?" 
JACK "I have brought a letter to you from George. It was a whim of 
mine to deliver it myself. Your mother is enjoying the finest health but I 
know she grieves for you. 1 promised her I'd bring you back with me." 

(He fumbles in inside coat pocket, pulls out three or four letters, acci- 
dentally drops one but does not discover it. Steps to the right and 
hands one to Rose. Cameron immediately pulls gloves from pocket. Rose 
begins to read letter.) 

DAN "Miss Howland, you will remember your engagement with me this 
evening, I'll call for you in an hour." 

(Ra.ses hat to Rose, advances from right to left, drops glove by letter, 

picks up both.) 

ROSE "I would have forgotten it--but since you urge me I'll be ready at 
the appointed hour." 

Exit Cameron left. 
COL. "Read your lettah aloud, Rose" 

ROSE "Jack you have given me the wrong letter. This is a business letter 
to you with reference to 'Imp.'" 



21 

JACK (Searches pockets) "I thought I put it in my pocket, but I must 
have put it in my suit case. I'll go straight and get it for you — because it 
is important. But Rose — I have asked and gained your Uncle Henry's con- 
sent to our marriage. My business here is to save you from that villian, 
Cameron. You must get a message to him that you are unable to keep your 
appointment with him. I have a date I will ask you to keep with me — and 
that is a trip to the parsons this very night. I can only be here a few hours 
--George's letter will explain. Will you go, darling, will you become my 
w.fe to-night?" 

ROSE "Why— Jack— this— " 

[Jack passionately seizes both her hands and looks into her eyes.] 
JACK "Yes, I'll give you just fifteen minutes to decide a question we had 
already decided when we were children. Uncle Henry will go with us, won't 
you uncle? Come, let's go into the house and read George's letter." 

LJack lovingly draws Rose's hand through his arm and they exit left r.] 
COL "Tnat young Daah knows something about Cameron that's pretty 
blacK. 1 wondah what it can be! 1 always thought Dan a most honahble 
young man! My, this old head! I can find no rest neithah in the house noh 
out of doahs. But I want to heah George's letter, so I guess I'll go in." 

[Exit rear left, hand on head. Enter Cameron, rear right. Cameron 
peers around, finding he is all alone seats himself and produces letter.] 

DAN 'Tnis letter was a most lucky find — a most lucky find; I have read 
and re-read the whole three pages of it, and I find it a most remarkably 
interesting thing. (Reads,) Dear Sister Rose. Jack will give you this let- 
ter as 1 have instructed him, and it will in a measure prepare you for very 
important news I have for you which will effect both our lives. I will be 
with you soon and will explain all. I have stopped in New York to meet a 
man who promised me a good job. I will also tell you about this when I 
see you. Mother and all at home are well, but you are to return to American 
Falls with Jack. It is fine for me that I have the chance of a good job, as 
i now know I have no right to expect anything from Uncle Henry." (Spoken) 
"No'.v that is all one sheet, On the next sheet are praises for dear Uncle 
Henry and all that slush, also a disclosure of the real errand of Jack Dare 
to Washington. Some of the disclosures are entertaining. For instance, 
t.Yis one: "You said tnat Uncle Henry would be pleased to have you receive 
the attentions jf the talented Mr. Cameron. He is already a married man 
and Jack is his brother-in-law. Uncle Henry's attorney and the owner of 
the summer palace known as The Pines, up in the mountains near our Rock- 
Knd home are the same man. He is the man I bought some land of some 
time ago, but although I have paid for it I seem unable to get a deed. I 
will tell ycu who and where his wife is, and why these things influence my 
life when I see you.' " (Spoken) "Now that is on the second sheet. The 
third sneet continues like this: 'He is a man who will not do the right thing, 
even when honesty would be to his advantage, and I know and Jack knows 
and another knows that he does net deserve to live. Will see you within a 
few hours after Jack arrives. Until then, goodbye. Your brother, George.' 
(Spcktn) The first and third sheets of this letter, if the second sheet was de- 



22 ' 

tached, would read like this: (Reads bottom of first sheet) 'It is fine for 
me that 1 have the chance of a good job, as I now know I have no right to 
expect anything from Uncle Henry. — He is a man who will not do the right 
thing, even when honesty would be to his advantage, and I know and Jack 
knows and another knows that he does not deserve to live.' (Cameron 
laughs, fold first and third sheets of the letter, replaces it in envelope, 
puts it in pocket, crumpling the middle sheet he throws it down.) 
1 cannot explain what prompts me to keep this thing, but if anything should 
happen it would come in handy. (Sits up suddenly) Why that letter would 
convict a man of murder! God. what am I thinking of! ^Throws head in 
hands, apparently beset with tragic thoughts. Stage is darkened.) I need 
money, lots of money, and at once. Rose refused my offer of marriage — 
but if there c:iuld be some way to force her consent the money she will in- 
herit would buy political influence, pay my> debts and strengthen my chances 
of favor with the administration for a diplomatic position. One who repre- 
sents his country at a foreign court needs money and aristocratic friends— 
and an alliance with the blue-blooded Gradys would give me both. Rose 
declined to keep her appointment with me to see the Italian opera, deserting 
me in favor of — my brotherinlaw! God, the Fates are mocking me! This 
fellow must be put out of the way, at once! (Looks at watch) Why — its 
after two o'clock already! I telephoned Old Nick to meet me here as I 
would probably require his services. Pretty lucky for me I know so much 
about Grabb — my law experiences serve me well. If he don't do as I wish 
ril simply tell the police where they can put their hands on the noted outlaw, 
Redfern, the ch ef of a gang of counterfeiters." 

(Cameron gets up and walks to rear right. Enter Nicholas Grabb. ev- 
ery indication in make-up of tne villian of the baser type.) 

GRA33 "Well, here 1 am--wnat d'yer want?" 

DAN "Just this: You are to linger about this park until you have a chance 

to abduct a young fellow who is staying here. His name is Jack Dare. He 

i; (describe the man wno acts the part of Jack Dare) You must be sure 

and make no mistake. It must be done soon. The river is near and there 

are boats within a few steps of this place. You know where my yacht is, 

have everything ready for a long journey — I care not where — lose the whole 

shooting match on the boundless deep, as it were." 

GRABB "That's a real nice little program yer've got fixed up — what do / 

get out of it?" 

DAN "Why you talk like an honest man in the Oklahoma legislature! 

You will be out of the reach of the arm of the law, and receive a good, fat 

purse." 

GRABB "And if I refuse to do your dirty work--" 

DAN "Fool, you can't refuse--why talk nonsense?" 

[Both crouch close to rear left] 
DAN "Luck has favored us — here comes our man now. Could you take 
care of him tonight?" 

GRABB "Why not kill im--'tud be easier!" 

DAN "For you perhaps--but it will serve my purpose just as well to have 



23 

him removed. Have ycu a club? He is evidently looking for something—a 

fine opportunity—wait till he comes closer — wait — " 

[Grabb seizes club and moves about to obtain advantage. Cameron 
stands exit rear right. Enter Jack center left, looking well over the 
ground.] 

JACK "I can never forgive myself for losing that letter — I can never rest 
until 1 find it! Surely I must have dropped it out here--" 

[Jack is in the middle of the stage, facing audience. Cameron wildly 

motions to Grabb to proceed. Grabb strikes Jack a blow with a club; 

Jack falls, and both men proceed to bind his hands and feet and bind a 

handkerclref over his mouth.] 

DAN "Can you manage him alone?" 

GRABB "He'p me git 'im to th' river — he'p me put 'im in th' boat." 

(They drag Jack off rear right, Cameron returns mopping forehead.) 
DAN 'Luck is riding a black horse tonight!" 

(Grabb returns rear right.) 
DAN "Well, what have you come back for?" 

(Grabb holds out his hand menacingly.) 
GRABB "Come across wid dat puss youse a-talkin' about!" 

(Cameron holds up a silencing finger, listens to approaching footsteps.) 
DAN "Don't be in a hurry just yet — conceal yourself in the bushes near 
the nver--and if you hear a signal like this (whistles low three times) come 
quickly, for I'll want a duplicate of this job. Further assistance means a 
C3oi five thousand cash in hand, and practically security for the rest of your 
life. Is it a go?" 

GRA3B "Ef yer doan fail me wid de coin!" [Both exit rear right.] 

[Enter Col. Grady, rear left, hands on head.] 
COL "My head, my head! 1 am both blind and crazy! It seems a numb- 
ness is stealing over me — the air is stifling, I cannot breathe Well, 

! am really glad to know Rose is married — Jack is surely a fine, handsome 
man, and Rose is well provided foh, she will inherit most of my property, 
my sister and Samantha are taken care of— ah what is this--I see a white 
light— ah--Julia, at last!" 

(Falls to stage and dies. A beautiful, shadowy vision in white appears 
for a instant left front. Cameron witnesses death rear right.) 

DAN "Apoplexy! What is to be done? The happenings of this night are 
enough to turn one's brain — even I can scarcely realize their import! The 
course of more than one life is turned abruptly, the rapids are in sight and 
cannot be avoided. (Examines corpse. Allie Weeds enters a step from the 
front right, as though to lie down on the seat, pauses, "watches proceed- 
ings from behind seat.) The old fellow has struck his head in falling ) 
and the manner of his death may be given every appearance of murder, 
Tne club with which Grabb struck the cowboy was bloody — but who is 
there on whom to fasten the crime? My God, I'd better get out of here 
without loss of time, let matters take their course!" (Exit rear right.) 

AL ^Cautiously moves forward a step and procures crumpled paper) "I 
sees wnere you is right, cap'n, this is no garden for Weeds either." 

[Examines paper, opens long pocketbook and places it inside. Exit r. f .] 



2-; 

[Enter George, right front; carries small valise.] 
GEO "1 got in a few hours earlier than I had expected — wonder who that 
was I met running like the devil, some fellow in a dress suit, that's all I 
could see. This must be the park belonging to Uncle Henry's home, I reck- 
on I'd better go on up to the house— or perhaps I'd better go back and hunt 
up a hotel for the night and come over here later in the day. (Strikes a 
match and looks at watch) Why it's four o'clock — too late to go to bed and 
too early to get up — I'll tell you what I'll do — I'll just roost right here on this 
bench till morning. [Moves forward sees body, starts violently, bends for- 
ward) Hello! A man asleep out nere in the park! I see where he's wise! 
(A pause, contemplates corpse) This man looks mighty scarey to me — I 
believe he is dead. (Approaches, sets bag down, examines corpse^ He is 
dead! He is dead! Who can it be? Perhaps it is poor Uncle Henry! I'll 
go at once and arouse the house— there has been foul play here!" 

[Starts to exit rear left. Cameron rear right with drawn revolver.] 
DAN "Stand right where you are, murderer — stand right where you are!" 
[Enter Rose attired in a beautiful white night robe] 
ROSE "Jack, Jack, where are you Jack!" 

[George moves quickly to Rose's side, places right arm abcut her. Stage 
lighter,] 

ROSE "«Vhy, it is my brother, George--what can this mean?" 
DAN (Lowers revolver) "It means, Miss Howland, that a grave crime has 
been committed! My client and beloved friend lies at your feet foully mur- 
dered—and at your side stands the murderer!" (Rose screams) 
GEO "You lie! If there has been a crime committed you are the man who 
ca,n tell who did it and wny. pise why are you in these grounds at this hour?' 
DAN "I had reason to suspect harm to befall my beloved client — I found a 
letter from one George Howland to his sister, Rose, and certain sentences 
seemod to indicate tnat an attempt would be made to murder my friend. 
(Produces letter) You will nave a chance to tell a jury what you meant by 
anting sucn an opinion of your victim as this: (Reads) 'It is fine for me 
tnat i have a good job, as I now know that I have no right to expect any- 
thing from Uncle Henry. He is a man who will not do the right thing, even 
when honesty would be to his advantage, and I know and Jack knows and 
another knows tnat he does not deserve to live.' (Spoken) This night's 
work is the result of a conspiracy, and your confederate, Jack Dare, is al- 
ready a fug.tive from justice. (Picks up club) Here's the blood-stained 
weapon you did it with, and there's blood on your valise!" 

[During the above lines Rose's facial expression represents every de- 
gree of horror.] 

ROSE "Speak, brother, for God's sake clear yourself of this terrible 

charge!" 

GEO "I do not knew your motive in attempting to fasten this crime upon 

me. But some things 1 can explain. Part of that letter is lost. ■ What you 

read last was with reference to yourself, for if you are Cameron, my uncle's 

attorney, you are my father, and you shall acknowledge my mother as your 

lawful wife. (Rose screams and falls in a faint in George's arms.) So now 



25 

if you want to push this case just go ahead, you'll find no white-livered 
sucker to deal with. I would like nothing better than to show you up as a 
most noble representative of the bar--betrayer of womanhood, boodler, 
grafter, blackmailer, politician--" 

[Cameron whistles sharply three times.] 
DAN (Aside, tensely) "He knows too much, I must get rid of him." 
CURTAIN. 
ACT III., First Scene. 

[Luxuriously furnishes drawing room at The Pines. Window in rear from 
which may be seen snow-capped mountains. Small table slightly rear left, 
on which are a decanter and a couple of glasses, some books, etc. Decanter 
contains grape juice. Rose and Samantha seated talking. Samantha em- 
broiders. Rose listlessly idle. Samantha wears housedress, same make-up 
as before. Rose a very pretty house dress.] 

Two Years After. In the Power of the Serpent. 
SAM "I believe you ah improving in health, don't you deah?" 
ROSE "I do not know, Samantha; how many, many times have you saved 
me from death at my own hands?" 

SAM "Do not speak of that, dearie, but tell me what makes you so sad?" 
ROSE "I do not know. Fits of sadness steal over me, I seem as one in 
a dream. I can almost grasp the tangible thread, and I struggle and strug- 
gle to recall faces and events, but they vanish and it leaves me hopeless— I 
then feel so utterly despairing I long for the release of death." 

SAM "You have much to be thankful foh— and I feel suah that some day 
you will racovah youah complete health. Let us strive to be patient." 
ROSE "You have always been so good to me; but I have never been able 
to fepl aught but distrust for Mr. Cameron, yet can't explain why. It seems 
that ages ago I had a terrible dream--but I cannot recall it— I cannot recall 
it! He seems to b3 a man of great mind and power. I find myself quite 
unable to disbelieve anything he tells me. He wants me to marry him, but 
you know I cannot do that — because I'm already married you know!" 
SAM (Aside) 'How strange this pooh child has always--evah since that 
awrui night--declahed herself to be a wife. The doctahs say it is the most 
puzzling featuah of this strange case! (To Rose) Who is yoah husband, 
honey?" 

ROSE "A king, who came and carried me away and made me his own?" 

SAM "Then you ah a queen?" 

ROSE "I am his queen. Come day he will return and tell you so!" 

SAM (Aside) "The most sorrowful case I evah knew!" 

ROSE "How long have we been in this house, Samantha?" 

SAM "Nearly a week, deah.,' 

ROSE "How was I brought here?" 

SAM "You weah carried heah in Mistah Cameron's big touring cah— my 

Aihe carried you to youah room. You weah asleep; Mistah said you had 



26 

been very ill. A nurse came with you from the sanitarium." 
ROSE "Why did you not leave me there? 

SAM "It was Mistah Cameron's doings. He has convinced the court, the 
doctahs and evahbody that he's you-all's best friend, and you do seem bet- 
tah!" 

ROSE "I remember nothing whatever about it. ^Goes to window in rear) 
Tnose snow-capped mountains look familiar! You have never even told me 
where I am. Was I ever in this country before?" 

SAM "Now honey you might 'a' been, I don't know. This is south slope 
of the Sierras, the most delightful country of the world. It may be neah 
youah formah home — Henry nevah told me anything about you-all except 
that you weah his niece from Idaho." 

ROSE "The more I gaze at yonder peaks the more I seem to remember — a 
sweet, sweet story of my dreams Samantha I'm going out and take a walk 
--perhaps I will remember my dream!" (Exit left rear.) 
SAM "My instructions ah to keep close watch of huh lest she haam huh- 
self. (Gets up and looks out after Rose) Pooh girl! Will she evah recovah 
tne rignt use of huh mind? Evah since the death of huh uncle the pooh 
girl's mind seems a blank. S le remembahs nothing of the past except in a 
hazy soht of way. If I had ever taken the trouble to learn of huh family I 
cou;d probably be of assistance to huh now. But Henry simply introduced 
bun to me as his niece from Idaho, saying she was the daughtah of his sistah 
who was blind. Mistah Cameron says huh mothah and fathah are dead, 
tnat she has no one on whom she can depend, and indeed the only pusson 
she is able to remembah in all huh past life is a fellow she calls Jack— and 
poo.i child imagines him to be a king, and imagines huhself to be his queen- 
pjon. deah lamb--and huh the bethrothed wife of Mistah Cameron, who is 
so fa thtul to huh--the dcctahs at the sanitarium, wheah Rose has spent 
ovao two yeas, say that huh mind may some day be restohd as suddenly 
as she was unbalanced, by a shock of some kind. Why I've stood right 
ne in and allowed ;iuh to wandah away — I must look aftah huh!" (Exit r. 1.) 

[Enter Cameron and Grabb, rear center.) 
GRABB "I t?i! yer I've got ter hev more coin. Ise a goin' inter bizness fer 
meself — a garnbiin' house in Pocatello — I mean ter be de gentwid de dressed 
up job--see?" 

DAN "I tell you my plans have miscarried. I have only been able to get 
an occasional check from Rose; she became mentally deranged and was 
placed in a sanitarium; the court took charge of her property, and an ad- 
ministrator was appointed. You see we overdid it. I had her brought here, 
thinking the scenes here would enable her to recover. Then she will forget 
tnis insane fancy that she is already a wife, I will marry her and her im- 
mense fortune will be in my control." 

GRABB "Dat's er fine piece uf chin music yer a playin' — when I knows 
dat youse de administrator who ministrates ter yerself a tousand plunks er 
munt for her keep. Dat ort ter pay fer purty swell board I'm guessin' — 
yer've had yer time a four-flushin' it at de foreign courts, now I wants some 
uv de swag meself." 



27 

DAN "Are you sure those fellows you chaperoned on a little excursion 
on the crest of the waves are sure enough safe?" 

GRABB "Deys food fer de dam fishes' long ago— don't worry! I lef 'em 
bound and gagged and took a boat fer de Bermudas. What did de coroner 
say about de old guy's death?" 

DAN "The colonel? Why that he died of apoplexy and injured his head in 
falling. You see Weeds, the vagabond who had been hanging around pay- 
ing court to the old maid, had seen the colonel's dying agony and went like 
a rocket after a physician. But before they arrived Rose had become con- 
vinced that her uncle had'been foully murdered, that it was her brother's 
hand that did the deed, and that the other fellow with whom she seems to 
have been enamoured was a confederate and had already made his escape. 
The shock deranged her mind. She remembers no face or event she knew 
before that night. It has turned out very happily for me— and you— and it 
means a good graft as long as it lasts. The doctors say some sudden shock, 
some joyful event like the return of her lover, would restore her. We must 
keep her close. Samantha does not understand the case; she is a good 
nousekeeper but would not stand for any crookedness. Weeds is a pretty 
good sort of man to have around, and it's up to me to keep on the good side 
of him. He knows things." 
GRABB "Why don't yer kill 'im?" , Makes peculiar motion as though to 

strangle a victim.) 
DAN (impatiently) "There is no need!" 

GRABB "Well, I knows a few tings too! Er yer goin' to come across wid 
de coin fer me bizness?" 

DAN "Don't forget I know a few things myself! I'll tell you what I'll do — 
but tet's sit down--have a smoke (Offers cigar, they light them and sit 
down) I am pulling every possible wire to secure the nomination to congress 
from this district. A nomination means an election, but I'll need the gam- 
bling vote, and need it bad. The other party nominates their man today. I 
have not learned his name, but their plans are for a morality campaign. 
They're already telling how he's going to reconstruct things when he gets to 
Wasiington. I came out here and took up permanent residence on .purpose 
to get a seat in congress. I did not get the diplomatic post I desired, and I 
would rather have a seat in congress than represent the United States in 
a ly South American country. There's more money in it. I will have the 
sjpport of the corporations— the railroad and mining interests want favor- 
able legislation and--" 

GRABB "Yer jest de peopul dey are lookin' fer!" 

DAD "Get me the votes of the gamblers and the business you want is 
your?." 
GRABB "It's er go— when do I get de coin? 

(Enter Allie Weeds, center. Grabb and Cameron rise.) 
AL "A lady ter see you. shall I show her in? She says her business is 
much important." (Business with the decanter and glasses, Grabb lowers.) 
DAN "What sort of lady?" 



28 

AL (Describes Florence) "A lady, sir, a sure-enough lady." 
DAN "Show her in." (Exit Al) 

DAN "Step in that room, Nick, I'll write you a check after this interview." 
(Indicates right center, exit Grabb. Enter Florence rear center. Cam- 
eron starts violently. Florence attired in tailored gown and hat.) 

FLO "I see it- is not necessary to introduce myself." 
DAN "Well, what do you want?" 

FLO "1 did not come to ask favors of you, sir. I came to prepare you for 
the action I expect to begin to obtain my rights. I am your lawful wife and 
there is a son--I intend to seek a divorce and alimony, that the world may 
know you as you are, and that I may cease to be looked upon as a woman 
whose position in world is questionable." 

DAN "Be seated, (Motions to chair, both sit.) Let us talk this matter 
over quietly." 

FLO "I understand you are in the race for a seat in congress?" 
DAN "1 hope to be. Of course you know your action will ruin me." 
FLO (Rests head in palm) "Well?" 

DAN "Florence 1 know I have treated you badly, but can you not look over 
the past? Give me a chance to make amends — I--" 
FLO (Aside) "Tnis is a subterfuge! I will meet it with another!" 
DAN "1 will do the right thing by you — I swear it!" 

FLO "Did you not know, when you came out here to take up your perma- 
nent residence, that 1 made my home in this neighborhood?" 
DAN "I had neard something of the kind once upon a time, but have not 
thought of it recently. Permit me to say, however, that the knowledge is 
not displeasing. [Approaches her] Florence will you not coma and assume 
your rightful place as mistress of my heart and home?" 
FLO [Rises] "Do you mean it, Dan?" 
DAN •" vVith all my heart--I'll gladly give you your own!" [He takes her 

hands in his.] 
FLO "Then prove it! Give me my marriage certificate!" 
DAN [Kisses her gloved hand.] "I'll do that, too, if you will tell me I am 
to be forgiven." 

FLO "You have my pledge when you place the document in my hand. I 
will stop proceedings at once." 

[Ex.: reir left. Returns in a moment with document, which he hands 
it t She looks at it, smiles triumphantly and conceals it in 

her bosom.] 

FLO "I must not stay with you longer. I saw you yesterday in your tour- 
ing car, and resolved to tell you personally what I had done. But I must re- 
turn home now — " 

FLO "Around the Gulch, beyond the cemetery. I live with dear Mother 

Howland. (Cameron starts, looks from aide to side. Goes to table, pours 

liquor in two glasses, cautiously puts a white powder in one. Flor- 



29 

ence crosses to window in rear left, and sees his action reflected.) 
DAN "Have something to refresh yourself before you go." 
FLO "What a beautiful view you have from this window! It is so-so very 
instructive--and inspiring! But who is that evil-faced man coming yonder?" 
(Cameron springs to door, center; Florence changes glasses.) 
FLO (Aside) "Tbe-heavens declare the glory of God— but the mountains 
form a background which, upon occasion, will reflect man's wickedness." 
DAN "1 see no man, my dear. Come, let us drink to our future happiness 
and better understanding." (They drink. Dan watches her and laughs.) 
FLO "1 have been with Mother Howland four years. Ah, it has been a 
sweet home to me; but lately much sadness has come into it." 
DAN "Ah yes! And now you are coming to live in your own home — you 
and the— the --boy?" 

FLO "If it is your sincere wish — I shall be most happy to let the past be 
past.' 

(Dan kisses her. She moves to rear center.) 
DAN "I should like to go with you but I have some business to attend to — 
sj will have to say good night." 

FLO "Good night. Dan. (Pause) If you are really sorry for the past may 
God rest your soul in peace!" (Exit center rear.) 

DAN "My God! What could the woman mean! There was something hid- 
den in that!" 

(Examines glasses. Enter Grabb center right,) 

DAN (Aside) "She took the dose all right. (ToGrabb) Follow that wom- 
an! She has swallowed poison--a slow poison which will cause her death 
jut tnirty minutes. Watch her and when she dies secure from her a 
paper she has concealed in her bosom--then throw the body in the ravine." 
GRABB " Dat's de easiest and de quietest divorce route yet — and de par- 
sons would a damn sight rudder preach a woman's funeral dan gib her a 
divorce! All right boss! I'll do de little church work fer yez!" (Exit c. r.) 

CURTAIN. 
ACT III., Second Scene. 

[Scene represents door yard of the humble home of the Howlands. House 
to rear left. Mountain near, path around it will be used. Scenery wild 
and rugged. Mother Howland' seated in old-fashioned rocker against 
which leans her cane. Dress, plain, dark house dress, three-cornered 
scarf over shoulders. Cap and snowy hair.' Time, evening of the day 
of last scene.] 

Sweet j uses. 
(Enter Jack, rear right, carrying a beautiful bouquet of roses.) 
JACK 'Good evening Mother Howland. I stopped in the garden by the 
gulcn and gathered a fresh bouquet for you. They are the most beautiful 
roses I ever saw!" [Places them in her lap, she buries her face in them.] 
MOTHER. "Sweet, sweet roses! I thank you Jack." 
JACK "i clipped from a magazine these verses on 'Life.' Somehow they 



30 

touched a responsive chord in my heart — I'll read them to you." [Reads] 

Ah, what is honor, wealth or fame, 
But part of life's hot-fevered dream? 
By slaves the race of life is run, 
Tortured to speed. Tis sad and vain 
If kindness is withheld. 

The smile, the love, the cheering word 
We pause to give along life's road, 
Will help some brother on the way 
With courage. 0, the hopeless day! 
When kindness is withheld. 

Life's great success is service done; 
Not wealth accrued nor laurels won. 
One soul's despair may prove ours most 
Unworthy. All may be lost 
If kindness be withheld. 

MOTHER 'Ah Jack, always keep your heart soft with such sentiment as 
that, then the poor man will have at least one friend should they send you 
congress." 

JACK "And if I had a magic ring, by the possession of which I might have 
one wish granted unto me, it would be that I might ever honestly serve the 
best interests of the unfortunate, should I be sent to represent the people of 
this district at the national dapitol. Where is George?" 
MOTHER "He's gone to Rockland after the mail. It is time he was re- 
turning. Perhaps we'll get a letter from Rose-- why, oh! why do we not 
hear from her?" 

JACK "There is a reason — and a good one. I will never lose faith in Rose 
--sweetest, truest of girls. I will devote the rest of my life and every dol- 
lar I possess toward finding her, mother dear. You see George and I were 
no match for Cameron, that double-dyed villian, when we went to Wash- 
ington. We were taken unawares, his hired assassins bound and gagged us, 
and we were cast adrift. At first there was a ruffian in charge of the 
yacht, but after a few days we found ourselves entirely alone, bound se- 
curely, hands and feet. We had been drugged a part of the time, and as to 
our whereabouts were in total ignorance. After hours of painful trial George 
succeeded in getting his knife, I opened it and we were free. There was 
plenty to eat in the pantry. My experience in the navy would have done 
me good service here, but there was no coal. We simply drifted, praying 
every hour that the weather might continue calm. We slept only by turns, 
one of us keeping watch all the time for a sail which meant rescue for us. 
But no sail appeared. Finally we sighted land, and as we are both good 
swimmers we did not hesitate to attempt to swim ashore. It was a small 
island, not over ten miles square, out in the southern Atlantic, and if there 
was anybody else on it we were not able to discover them during our long 
stay there. We proceeded to dry our clothes and make ourselves as com- 
fortable as possible. We had a taste of the Robinson Crusoe life; but no 
mountaineer will ever starve to death if left to his own resources, and we 
did not, although we ate with relish dishes never seen on any white man's 
table. I tore up my shirt and made a flag, which we hoisted from the high- 



31 

est point of land. The pole we cut down and carved from a young tree, 
having only a pocket knjfe with which to work. We lived on this lonely trop- 
ical island over a year, before we were rescued by a ship bound for Brazil, 
wnere we were landed three days later, without money or friends and nearly 
as naked as when we were born. We went to the American consul— say, 
didn't Cameron get a diplomatic appointment to some South American 
country?" 

MOTHER "I know nothing whatever about this man. Did the consul help 
you?" 

JACK "1 suppose we would have gotten help after while, but people have 
died of red tape before, and I did not propose that we should become vic- 
tims. We secured jobs at the docks and worked right there for nearly six 
months. At the end of that time the American consul was no better pre- 
pared to give us assistance than at the beginning. Wages were low, cost of 
living high, but we saved enough to buy us some clothes and get to the 
United States. We wrote you all this long ago. Our stay in Washington 
and our search for Rose or any news of her were futile, except that we dis- 
covered thac Col. Grady's housekeeper, the old maid Samantha, had married 
a man by the name of Weeds. They had come west and taken charge of 
Cameron's place, The Pines. They are there now. Cameron is also there, 
and they say he is working hard for the nomination for representative from 
this d. strict. Matters become complicated. As a candidate for congress on 
the opposing ticket things 'promise to become extremely interesting. From 
tne moment of my arrival the leaders of my party began to urge me to ac- 
cjpc the nomination, although but few knew or understood the situation. I 
always have occupied a warm corner in the hearts of the ranchmen." 
MOTHER "It is all so strange. Has George got back from Rockland yet? 
Perhap ; s he will bring a letter from Rose!" 

JACK .Aside) "My God--a letter from Rose! Every mail this poor, broken 
neart asks in vain for only this one little straw of hope — I WILL find her-- 
and 1 will wreak a swift and terrible vengeance upon those who are re- 
sponsible for all this misery ! (To mother, as he looks r.): George is not 
here yet--shall I put your flowers in water for you mother?" 
MOTHER (Selects two roses, hands the remainder to Jack) "I will keep 
these by me--they suggest my child to me. You may take those, put them 
by my bed. Their fragrance will whisper hope, during the long hours of a 
wakeful night. (Jack takes flowers.) Somehow my heart tells me I am 
going to find her--my rose— the fairest flower of all — sweet Rose — that I am 
going to hold her close to my heart ere long and hear her call me mother." 
JACK (Kisses mother on cheek) "God grant it!" 

(Exit Jack from a door which goes into the house from center left.) 
MOTHER "Florence baked a batch of cookies this afternoon--help your- 
self to them Jack, I don't know where they are, but hunt around till you find 
them." 

JACK (Calling from within.) "All right, mother. (Comes out with coil of 
rope, eating cooky) Say, these cookies are loppin' good!" 



32 

MOTHER "Put some of them in your pocket, Jack." 

JACK "I'm going over in the field near the cemetery. I will have to look 
after a bad crittur, but will be back presently and form closer intimacy with 
the cakes. If George should get home before I see him tell him to bring his 
rope and come out to me--perhaps I'll need his help." (Exit left rear.) 

[Mother rocks and drones softly, "Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee, 
E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me," Etc. Enter Rose, rear 
right, attired as in last appearance, which should be a rich, black, house 
dress; wears lace scarf over head. Mother continues to drone. Rose 
seems as one in a dream.] 

ROSE (Murmuring to herself.) "They tell me that I am very ill — that I 
must not go about, but they do not tell me where I am. Perhaps I am far 
from friends and home. I am compelled to believe them — but as I wander- 
ed in these mountains my dream seemed to be suggested again and again. 
(Stage darker.) Where am I? It is very dark and I am lost!" 
MOTHER "Who is it says they are lost? Whose voice do I hear?" 
ROSE "It is I. Oh. where am I?" 

MOTHER "Who are you who speaks? I am blind, I cannot see you. Come 
closes and let me feel your face!" 

[Mother excitedly rises, reaches out her hands, then sits again.] 
ROSE "And you are blind? How very strange! In my dreams I some- 
t mes see a dear old woman who is blind, and I call her mother. But upon 
awakening the vision fades as a mist. So great is my desire to retain the 
details of the story of my dream that I awaken with hands clenched so 
tightly the palms are bleeding from the fingernails, which have buried into 
the flesh. Someday, someday / will remember!" 

MOTHER "Are you a spirit who mocks me thus? Child, child, if you are 
mortal come to me— call me mother— I will call you Rose, for verily you 
seem like my own sweet Rose." 

[Rose goes to mother, sits at her feet and lays her head in her mother's 

lap like a tired child. Toys with the roses.] 

ROSE "I have been ill a long, long time. I lived for many months at a big 

inst.tution, a private sanitarium where there were lets of sick people, but 1 

did not get any better, They say I will never be any better. The past is 

a blank, sometimes I do not even remember the events of the past week." 

MOTHER "But you dream—" 

ROSE "I am myself only in my dreams. They tell me I had a great mental 

shock--but I- cannot remember. As I walked through the woods tonight I 

seemed to remember — something I dreamed of — and I seemed to know the 

path which led me here," 

MOTHER Where is you home, dear one?" 

ROSE "Up in the mountains." 

MOTHER "And your friends, who are they--have you a husband?" 

ROSE "My husband is a king--I am his queen — he will tell you so some 

day! Please ask God to bless me lady, ere I go away, as though you were 

really my mother and I your daughter, Rose." 



33 

[Mother places left hand on Rose's head, raises right. Rose cries.] 
MOTHER "May the Father in heaven bless you my dear child, restore you 
to complete health and keep you always happy in your husband's iove. May 
He look down in tender mercy upon your poor old mother, if she be alive, and 
bring- you to her before life's journey ends, and may your lives be lived to- 
gether in joyous reunion, to the end of time. We ask it all in the name of 
Christ, who has promised that whatsoever is asked in His name shall be 
granted. Amen." 

ROSE "'What a wonderful prayer! My whole being thrills with the earn- 
estness of it!" 

MOTHER "You are so very like my Rose — the way you laid you head in 
my lap and cried — that's just the way Rose did when things went wrong!" 

(Rose rises.) 
ROSE "Dear lady I'm not your Rose. They tell me my parents are both 
dead. But let me come to see you often — I will steal away as I have to- 
night—and may God reunite you to your daughter soon. You have been so 
kind to me. It is threatening rain and I must hurry. Good night." 

(Exit rear right. Mother seems mentally distressed, gropes about.) 
MOTHER (Cill.ng) "Jack! Jack! Where are you! Florence! Florence! 
Will nobody come to me? George! George! Why, why does not somebody 
come? Oh God--Oh God for a moment of sight! Rose! Rose! Something 
cells me I have talked to my darling. (Lightning and thunder.) It is going 
to storm and she will be lost in the mountains; someone must find her and 
bring her back! My darling insane and kept a prisoner in the power of her 
enemies— I see it all now--On why could I not have seen it before? Why 
does not somebody come? (Galls) Rose! Rose! (Lightning and thunder, 
mother gropes for cane by the side of her chair) Mother will save you her- 
self, dar.ing (Exit rear right, calling. Reappears ascending the path which 
leads over the mountain, feeling her way and calling. Lightning and 
thunder. A downpour of rain may be represented by mechanical effects.) 

CURTAIN. 

ACT III., Third Scene. 

[Scene represents a cemetery on the slope of a mountain, rear of stage. 
Patn leads from around . tne mountain to the level of the stage. At the 
end of path is gravestone on which are chiseled the words, "Silas How- 
land, born May 3, 1854, died July 7, 1894, aged 60 yrs., 2 mos. and 4 
days. Gone, but not forgotten." As curtain rises Mother Howland is 
standing behind the stone and at the side of the grave; calls softly, 
"Rose! Rose!" Stage is dark. Let the effect be that of a receding 
storm.] 

"I've throwed many a bad crittur in my time — and here goes another!" 
MOTHER "The path that leads to this grave is a familiar one to me. 
Night has no terror for the blind. How many times have I knelt by this 
last resting place of my beloved and asked God to care for my darling and 
bring her back to me; wherever she may be, or whatever may have befallen 
her, she is still my baby--my baby--and these old arms would hold her just 



34 

as fondly as of yore--but some one comes — I hope I may not be discovered. I 

will crouch close to this stone." 

(Kneels behind stone. Enter Rose rear right.) 
ROSE (Steps forward) "I stopped under a jutting rock to wait till the 
storm passed, and all the while I was there it seemed I could hear some one 
calling, 'Rose! Rose!' Ah! I am only crazy; some day they will have to take 
me away to a mad house and there I will die! My dream! Oh, why can I 
not remember it? Then I would know — I would know — some one comes, I 
will hide!" 

x Rose right center, enter Samantha rear left.) 

SAM "That pooh child has been out in all this dreadful storm! 1 can only 

blame myself if any haam befalls her, pooh deah!" 

[Enter Grabb rear left, bent and villianous looking. He carries a long 
knife. Samantha turns and sees him and screams again and again."] 

SAM "Oh Lohd Mistah Devil it ain't me yo'ah looking foh, I have always 

tried to do what's right— haint nevah lied noh drunk noh gambled noh stole — ' 

GRABB "Scissors!'' 

SAM "No. indeed, I nevah stole nobody's scissahs!" 

[Enter Florence, center left, stands as if petrified. Rose appears rear 
right, stands silent and still; mother raises up from behind the stone, 
raises hands to heaven. Grabb and Samantha both have fits at what 
they think are ghosts. Grabb jumps at mother with long knife drawn, 
then at Florence. Tries to make his escape, but every avenue is closed.] 

MOTHER "Father, deliver me from evil, I pray Thee." 
GRABB "Ole lady dean you bodder me an' I'll shore let you be!" 
ROSE "I am only crazy--surely this is the vision of a disordered brain!" 
FLO "1 think I must have taken that poison, and am now in purgatory; 
this must be the dance of the devils!" 

[Enter Cameron, front left, dressed as upon last appearance, without 
hat. Seems perturbed.] 

DAN "The nurse said Rose had left the house. If she should be discovered 

by some of her people my game is up! I will never permit her to leave the 

house again. [Discovers dark figures standing about, cowers, but recovers 

himself and approaches Rose takes her hand] Come with me, Rose, it's 

time to go home." 

MOTHER "Rose! Rose! My daughter, come to me!" 

DAN (Fiercely pulis Rose forward) "You are only dreaming again! Come, 

let's get out of here!" 

ROSE (Throws him off) "I'm not dreaming, I'm beginning to remember! 

Let me alone, ! intend to go with her — and don't you try to prevent me!" 
[Cameron roughly attempts to seize her. Enter Jack rear left, dex- 
terously throws rope over Cameron's head and shoulders and jerks him 
to the floor.] 

JACK "I've roped many a bad crittur before, but this one's the worst of 

the whole bunch!" 

ROSE (Screams) "Jack. Jack, my husband!" 

JACK "Rose, my queen!" 



35 

SAM (Aside) "His queen! They ah all bughouse!" 

[Jack presses Rose to his heart, Grabb attempts to jump at him from 
the rear but is quickly jerked to the floor by a rope thrown by George, 
who enters rear right.] 

GEORGE "The game's up, eld boy, the cards are all! It's a term in the 
pen for you" 

[Cameron raises to sitting position, seems in great agony. George pro- 
ceeds to tie Grabb hand and foot, after which he is left to the r. 1. 
Rose goes to mother, they seem to talk earnestly. Weeds enters cen- 
ter rear, ail come around the prostrate Cameron who is dying. Bright 
light on him.] 

DAN "I've drunk the dose intended for another — you've got me all right, 

but you're too late. I've made a mistake — lift me up— there's some things I 

can make right yet! (George lifts his head and fans him with his hat. 

Florence at head, bending over.) My wife, God has been on you side, you 

have won. My life has been a mistake — I see it all now. I was brought up 

h the environment of politicians and grafters, I saw with a vision distorted 

by the influence of dishonorable deeds, (clutches at throat) graft, plunder, 

everything which unmakes a man. I have played my small mind against 

Truth, 1 have lost all. I have lost the chance of reformation — I have lost my 

soul — I have lost my soul — Jesus forgive me!" 

VOICE WITHOUT "Dare tnou ask forgiveness when thy lips are dumb 

and others suffer because of thy silence?" 

DAN "Who spoke? Lift me higher--I am going fast (clutches at throat) 

1 want you ail to know that Henry Grady died a natural death." 

AL "He did so--I seed 'im wid me own eyes!" 

DAN "1 tried to fasten the crime — " 

ROSE "Upon my brother--I remember everything now — was that letter a 

forgery then?" 

DAN "No. part of it was destroyed. (Produces letter.) The middle sheet 

is gone, I destroyed it that night." 

AL (Produces old purse, takes therefrom old, crumpled sheet, hands it to 

Rose) "Mebbe that'll make it read right Miss, I found it in the park the 

night the ole man d'ed--l thought it might come in useful some day." 

Rose takes letter and sheet and reads. 
DAN "My wife, all I have is yours and our son's. Forgive me." 

Cameron dies. Florence pulls marriage certificate out of bosom- 
FLO "At last I am ab'e to proclaim my marriage to the world, and give 
my son a name and the rights of an heir." 

George rises and takes Florence in his arms. 
GEORGE "That's all right, little mother, an honored man sleeps in yonder 
grave whose name wears well. It's good enough for me — let the odor of 
skunks perish with them." 
ROSE "All is clear as the noonday sun--mother, mother!" 

Rose's arms are about mother, who weeps for joy; Jack has an arm 

about both of them. 



36 

MOTHER "At last my prayers have been answered. The future is full of 
promise of joy and honor." 

SAM "Excuse me for speakin' out in meetin', but if you-all goes back to 
Washington I suah want to go along and do yoah housekeepin' foh you-all - 
can furnish highest recommendations — "' 

CURTAIN. 






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